8 Ways to Lengthen & Add Sleeves Without Sewing
Some tops and dresses need a little more sleeve. Some have none at all.
It's a drag to layer with an entire t-shirt. Especially in the heat. And especially when all you'd like is just another inch or two.
I've put together a collection of stylish solutions for you. Keep reading for 8 clever ways to lengthen and add to sleeves. No sewing needed!
These add-ons are size-inclusive up to 5X. Scroll to the bottom for my favorite!
1. Jersey-knit shrugs
This long-sleeve shrug is smooth and lightweight. It's made of breathable rayon-spandex jersey.
The navy color I'm wearing above is one of eleven solid colors. The burgundy looks especially stunning for fall, and turquoise for spring and summer.
2. Tattoo covers
Seamless arm covers: Amazon, 4 colors
These are so clever! These arm covers are designed to cover a few inches of the arm.
They're available in different lengths and sizes. I especially appreciate the grip inside the top band of each tube.
I wear these in the summer when I want just an extra inch or two of coverage. I also like that they add some coverage underneath wide, drapey sleeves.
3. Cropped button-up shirts
Tying a button-up shirt over a dress adds arm coverage--and class.
I find this look easiest to pull off with a cropped shirt, like the cotton poplin one above. It also comes in solid white, and flattering vertical stripes.
Pair a solid-colored shirt with a printed dress, or mix two coordinating prints together. This is my favorite way to add coverage over a sleeveless dress in the summer.
4. Sleevies
Sleevies and I go way back.
They're comfortable and lightweight. Made of rayon-spandex jersey, they look just like the sleeves on these layering t-shirts.
The top of the tube has a casing with elastic cord inside. I recommend wearing these underneath sleeves that overlap the top of the sleevies by at least an inch.
Sleevies come in white, ivory, and black. Note that they fit a smaller range of arm sizes than the tattoo covers shown earlier.
5. Lace oversleeves
Lace bolero: Elegtiskas
This bolero brings the drama!
Made of a lovely lace, it comes in solid black and white. The collar is intricately crafted, and looks similar to guipure lace. It has two gold-tone buttons shaped like roses.
I can picture this top over a washable silk dress, with a deep berry lipcolor and patent heels for evening.
6. Twist-front crop tops
Crop top: Amazon, XXS-3X / Dress: Uniqlo
This top adds not just sleeves but also sensuality.
It's made of a soft and substantial nylon-spandex knit. It has removable bra cups, and a seamless effect around the front bodice.
It comes in sizes XXS-3X, in twenty-five colors. The woodrose is especially lovely.
7. Boleros & cropped cardigans
Bolero: Amazon, S-XL / Dress: The Drop: XXS-5X / Necklace: J.Crew, similar here
Beige cropped sweater (S-3X) / Navy jersey bolero (S-XL) / Gray cropped sweater (S-3X)
This is the coziest option. I love jersey tie-front boleros in spring and summer. I bring out the cropped sweater-knit ones for fall and winter.
And now for my favorite...
8. Halftee crop tops
Layering top: Halftee, XS-4X / Dress: Quince, XS-XL here, 1X-3X here
This fabric is heaven. It's as lightweight and smooth as a rose petal.
If you want higher neckline coverage too, you're in luck. This top is reversible!
It's available in sizes XS to 4X. The other eight solid colors it comes in are flattering and fun, especially the soft gray and cream.
Thank you for reading
This list was a blast to create! I hope it makes your life as a classy gal easier.
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